Vertical Networks and AT&T Partner to Revolutionize Branch Office Communications

Strategic Insights -

Vertical Networks, a leading developer of integrated communications platforms, and AT&T, a leading provider of data services, have announced a partnership to co-market Vertical Networks' InstantOffice system, a fully integrated voice and data platform designed for corporate branch offices and small businesses. This innovative solution aims to eliminate the complexity and high costs associated with traditional multivendor piece-part solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The InstantOffice system is the first integrated communications platform for branch offices, leveraging a single T-1 to support voice and data traffic.
  • The system provides a simple, yet powerful, next-generation network infrastructure that enables branch offices to deploy enhanced network services and new applications.
  • The InstantOffice remote management system minimizes administrative costs for branch office voice and data communications, allowing for software installations and upgrades to be accomplished from a remote central location.
  • The system is architected to deliver PBX-level reliability across all office communications and provides flexible support for AT&T's voice and data network services.
  • The partnership aims to address the growing need for an integrated premise solution in the corporate branch office marketplace, which comprises 1.5 million offices nationwide with 6 to 75 employees (Gartner Group, 1998).
  • Reed Henry, vice president of marketing at Vertical Networks, stated, "Branch offices are looking for a communications solution that will eliminate the needless complexity and resulting high costs of today's multivendor piece-part solutions."
  • Steve Hindman, sales vice president, middle markets for AT&T, added, "AT&T sees the branch office marketplace as an important growth area for voice and data communications solutions."
  • The two companies will be demonstrating the solution at the upcoming ComNet West trade show in San Francisco, Calif., September 30-October 2.

Statistics:

  • The corporate branch office marketplace comprises 1.5 million offices nationwide with 6 to 75 employees (Gartner Group, 1998).
  • Only 1% of branch offices have an integrated voice and data platform (estimated).
  • The InstantOffice system can expand from a single T-1 trunk to as many as four trunks, depending on the needs of the customer.

Sources:

  • Gartner Group (1998)
  • AT&T (http://www.att.com)
  • Vertical Networks, Inc. (http://www.vertical.com)
  • Reed Henry, vice president of marketing, Vertical Networks
  • Steve Hindman, sales vice president, middle markets for AT&T